Fuel additive for enhancing combustion efficiency and decreasing emissions

ABSTRACT

A fuel additive comprising a sol containing particles of at least one inorganic-metallic component and at least one organo-metallic component stabilized in a suitable hydrocarbon medium. The components are formed as a metal complex wherein the metallic element comprises at least one metal selected from the elements of Groups VIII to XI in the Periodic Table, preferably platinum, cobalt, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium or, most preferably, palladium. The organo component is an alkyl carboxylate, preferably acetate, and the inorganic component is derived from silicon, titanium, aluminum, and preferably silicate. The additive is preferably formed by (a) forming an aqueous solution of at least one metallic component; (b) forming a colloid of organo-metallic and inorganic-metallic components from said solution; and (c) extracting at least some of the metallic colloidal components from the aqueous solution using a suitable hydrocarbon medium under controlled PH, temperature and time.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/662,421, filed Mar. 1, 2005,and titled “A Liquid Hydrocarbon Based Fuel Additive For EnhancingCombustion Efficiency And Decreasing Emissions From An InternalCombustion Engine, Heating Chamber Or Jet Engine And Method Of MakingSame.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved combustion of fuels ininternal combustion engines, heating chambers and jet engines.

BACKGROUND

Burning a fossil fuel in an internal combustion engine, jet engine orheating furnace presents a hazard to the ecosystem of the world due tothe emissions of hazardous carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, oxidesof sulfur and incompletely burned fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide andoxides of nitrogen are major components of acid rain. Acid rain is toxicto both animals and plants. The burning of carbon based fuels alsoreleases carbon dioxide into the environment, therefore increasinggreenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Moreover, crude oil supplies aredwindling worldwide. It is therefore advantageous to decrease emissionsand reduce consumption by increasing efficiency. It is against thisbackground that a need arose to develop the present invention.

Saturated hydrocarbons or alkanes are compounds in which each carbonatom is bonded with four other atoms. Each hydrogen atom is bonded toonly one carbon atom. Alkanes make up the basic components of gasoline,diesel fuel, heating oil and natural gas. These hydrocarbons burn inexcess O₂ to produce CO₂ and H₂O in a highly exothermic process.

-   -   Methane:

CH₄+20₂→CO₂+2H₂O+89IKJ

-   -   N-Octane:

2C₈H₁₈+25O₂→16CO₂+18H₂O+1.090×10⁴ KJ

The heat of combustion is the amount of energy liberated per mole ofhydrocarbon burned. The combustion of hydrocarbons produces a largevolume of gases in addition to a large amount of heat. The rapidformation and expansion of these gases at high temperature and pressuredrives the piston or turbine blades in internal combustion engines. Alarge fraction of the pressure is due to the expansion of the waterformed in the combustion reaction upon vaporization. At ambient pressure(˜one atmosphere), water expands to 1,700 times its volume as it movesfrom liquid to vapor phase.

However, smog and acid rain may result from the combustion process,specifically from the production of carbon, carbon monoxide, unburnedhydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and other non-metal oxides.

In the absence of sufficient oxygen, partial combustion of thehydrocarbons occurs. As indicated below, the products may be carbonmonoxide (a very poisonous gas), carbon and unburned hydrocarbon.

2CH₄+30₂→2CO+4H₂O

and

CH₄+O₂→C+2H₂O

and

CH₄+O₂⇄incomplete burn CH₄+O₂

Nitrogen oxides are produced in the atmosphere by natural processes.Human activities contribute to about 10% of all oxides of nitrogen(referred to as NOx) in the atmosphere, occurring mostly in the urbanareas where the oxides may be present in concentrations a hundred timesgreater than in rural areas. Just as NO is produced naturally byreaction of N₂ and O₂ in electrical storms, it is also produced by somereactions at high temperatures of internal combustion engines andfurnaces.

N₂(g)+O₂⇄2NO(g)ΔH=180 KJ

This reaction does not occur to any significant extent at ordinarytemperatures. It is endothermic, i.e. favored at high temperatures.However, oxides of nitrogen (NO and NO₂) form in an internal combustionengine if the combustion temperatures within a cylinder exceed some2,500° F. (1,371° C.). This can occur when the engine is “under load.”When temperatures are examined, the greatest amount of NOx is typicallyproduced at the stoichiometric point (AFR of 14.7) as the engine isunder light load. Even in internal combustion engines and furnaces, theequilibrium still lies far to the left, so only small amounts of NO areproduced and released into the atmosphere. However, very smallconcentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) cause serious problems.

The NO radical reacts with O₂ to produce NO₂ residual. Both NO and NO₂are very reactive and do considerable damage to plants and animals. Itforms one of the components of acid rain, nitric acid (HNO₃).

3NO₂+H₂O→NO+2HNO₃

Pollution of the stratosphere with nitrogen oxides (NO and NO₂) causesreduction of the stratospheric ozone. Ozone reduction in thestratosphere has been linked to biological effects such as skin cancer.Pollution of the stratosphere also involves a climate chain of cause andeffect relation by which aircraft engine effluents, notably sulfurdioxide (SO₂) and to a lower degree water vapor (H₂O) and nitrogenoxides (NOx), affect climate change variables such as temperature, windand rainfall.

The catalyst of the current invention is believed to lower the amount ofNOx released to the environment by three distinct mechanisms: 1) reducedtotal fuel consumption; 2) catalytic reduction of NOx back to N₂ and O₂;and 3) lowering of the activation temperature required for combustion.

Non-metal oxides are called acid anhydrides because many of themdissolve in water to form acid with no change in the oxidation state ofthe non-metal. Except for the oxides of boron and silicon, which areinsoluble, nearly all oxides of non-metal dissolve in water to give acidsolutions. For example:

1. Carbon dioxide

CO₂(g)+H₂O(1)→H₂CO_(3aq)

2. Sulfur dioxide

SO₂(g)+H₂O(1)→H₂SO₃ sulfurous acid

3. Sulfur trioxide

SO₃(g)+H₂O→H₂SO₄ sulfuric acid

Petroleum (crude oil) consists mainly of hydrocarbons with small amountsof inorganic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur.

It is apparent from the above analysis that carbon monoxide is a threatto the health and welfare of the earth's animal population. Carbondioxide, sulfur dioxide, and NOx also threaten plant and animalpopulation, due to their role in acid rain formation. Carbon dioxide isalso recognized as the major greenhouse gas. The major end-product offossil fuel combustion is carbon dioxide and water. It is believed bymany environmental scientists that the continuous increase of CO₂ in ouratmosphere is placing the earth on a course of destruction due to the“greenhouse gas effect” and subsequent global warming.

Accordingly, there exists a great need to address the reduction ofhydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NOx (NO and NO₂) emissions, andimprove fuel efficiency, in internal combustion engines, heatingfurnaces and jet engines.

This great economic and environmental need has lead many to proposevarious fuel additives in an attempt to improve fuel economy and/orreduce exhaust pollutants. To date, however such attempts have beenunsuccessful.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2005/0081430 to Carroll et al. (“Carroll”)discloses the use of a broad range of organo-metallic complexes andelectrolytes soluble in solvents, including, for example, platinum andpalladium, including palladium (II) acetate trimer [Pd(CH₃CO₂)₂]₃.However, the methods described in Carroll are generally limited to theuse of starting compounds which are soluble in water.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,421 to Webb discloses a catalytic fuel additive foruse in engines or furnaces. The additive employs a solution of picricacid and ferrous sulphate in specified alcohol.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,402,427 to Miller and Liber discloses the use of broadgroupings of diesel-fuel-soluble organic and organo-metallic compoundsas ignition promoters.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,086,775 and 2,151,432 to Lyons and McKone discloseadding an organo-metallic compound or mixture to a base fuel such asgasoline, benzene, fuel, oil, kerosene or blends to improve variousaspects of engine performance. Among the metals disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 2,086,775 are platinum, palladium, chromium and aluminum. In bothpatents, the preferred organo-metallic compounds were beta diketone andderivatives and their homologues, such as the metal acetylacetonates,proprionyl acetonates, formyl acetonates and the like.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,891,050 and 4,892,562 and WO No. 86/03492 to Bowers andSprague disclose the use of fuel-soluble platinum group metal compounds(including palladium) to improve fuel economy in gasoline and dieselengines.

WO 98/33871 to Peter-Hoblyn et al. and assigned to Clean DieselTechnologies, Inc., discloses fuel-soluble platinum compounds, includingplatinum acetyl acetonate, and purports to enable reduction ofemissions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,020 to Epperly et al. discloses the use of platinumgroup compounds, including palladium acetylene.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,579 to Summers et al. discloses the use of platinum,rhodium and palladium for emission control.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,573 to Ernest et al. discloses the use of platinumgroup metals to promote oxidation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,472 to Hanley et al. discloses the use of palladium,including palladium oxide and palladium chloride.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,467 to Hohn et al. discloses the use of carboxylicesters as fuel additives. It discloses using acetates of metalcompounds, including palladium as catalysts in the preparation of thecarboxylic esters.

American Technologies Group, Inc. offers a gel pack product, markedunder the trade name Force™, which purports to treat air intake into theengine chamber.

National Fuel Saver Corporation of Newton, Mass. offers a platinum basedproduct that purportedly “can increase fuel mileage of gasoline-poweredvehicles up to 22% fuel savings.”

Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. offers a fuel-borne catalyst productunder the trade name Platinum Plus™ that purports to reduce particulateemissions by 25%, hydrocarbons by 35% and carbon monoxide by 11%.

Firepower offers a product under the trade name Firepower Pill™ whichpurports to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. It also offers adiesel product.

Other prior art has addressed the use of colloids in fuels or inconnection with dispersing catalysts. For example, GB 745,012 to Cliffdiscloses a method of producing a dispersion of an inorganic colloid infuel oil, which comprises mixing a hydrogel of an inorganic colloid withthe fuel oil, separating the water, and mechanically working the colloidsystem. The patent further discloses preparation of silica gel bysubjecting sodium silicate to sulfuric acid and agitating until theproduct possesses a pH value of about 6.

WO No. 2005/003265 to Gilburt et al. discloses a gel additive containinga fuel-born organo-metallic compound (including platinum).

U.S. Publication No. 2001/0027219 in the name of Robert R. Holcombdiscloses an inorganic polymer electret (“IPE”) made of a dipolarcolloidal silica particle. Applications of the IPE include fuels. TheIPE is described as improving dispersion and sludging at lowtemperatures. A generator is also disclosed (see FIGS. 7-9).

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,537,363 and 5,658,573 in the name of Robert R. Holcombdisclose a method of generating a relatively stable aqueous suspensionof colloidal silica by circulating a solution of silica particlesthrough a magnetic field.

WO No. 2004/065529 discloses use of cerium oxide which has been dopedwith palladium or platinum.

An article titled “Preparation of highly dispersed silica-supportedcatalysts by a completing agent-assisted sol-gel method and theircharacteristics,” by Tanaka et al. (“Tanaka”), discloses Pd/SiO₂catalysts prepared by an agent-assisted sol-gel method. Tanaka does notdisclose the preparation of fuel additives. Rather, the palladium gelsol is applied to a carrier surface, dried, and activated with hydrogen.

An article titled “Solubility of palladium in silicate melts:Implications for core formation in the Earth,” by Borison et al.discloses palladium solubilities in silicate melts.

Again, these efforts in the past have failed to achieve an acceptablelevel of improvement and have failed to recognize or appreciate thenature and benefits of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel fuel additive product and amethod for making such additive, which decreases toxic exhaust emissionsand increases the efficiency of the burn. Without limiting the inventionto any specific theory of operation, the fuel additive composition ofthe invention is believed, based on the available evidence, to operateby depositing and activating a reversible microfilm catalyst on thecombustion surfaces of internal combustion engines, heat chambers andjet engines. The fuel additive of the present invention comprises a solof an inorganic-metallic and organo-metallic complex stabilized in asuitable hydrocarbon medium. In accordance with one embodiment of theinvention, the complex component of the inventive composition is itselfderived from an aqueous colloidal gel-sol composition in which theinorganic-metallic and organo-metallic complex components are formed andbound.

The metallic component of the complex according to the invention may bederived from one or more metals from the chemical elements in GroupsVIII to XI in the Periodic Table, including platinum, cobalt, nickel,copper, gold, rhodium, and, preferably, palladium.

The organo component of the organo-metallic component may be one or moreof the alkyl carboxylates, such as alkyl carboxylates having one to fourcarbon atoms, preferably acetate. Other longer chain alkyl carboxylatesmaybe used within the skill of the art depending on inter aliasolubility factors.

The inorganic component of the complex may be derived from one or moresilicon, titanium or aluminum based compounds, preferably silicate, andmost preferably, palladium silicate. It is believed that when a silicabased colloid is used, for example, the complex includes varioussilicides, silicates, oxides, and ions.

The metallic complex components of the additive according to theinvention are formed by any suitable technique, preferably by themethods of the invention, and dispersed in a hydrocarbon medium, such asxylene, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and, preferably, kerosene. In oneembodiment, the sol particles are a colloidal complex dispersed as astable suspension in the hydrocarbon medium. In the practice of theinvention, where the complex particles are extracted from an aqueouscolloidal precursor, the particles are preferably less than about 20microns, preferably where the major portion of a particle distributionis less than 20 microns. When exposed to a combustion chamber, forexample, the stabilized particles are believed to be adhered to thewalls of the combustion chamber, so as to function effectively toachieve improved fuel performance.

The fuel additive is further characterized as containing particleswherein a small portion of water from the hydrosol precursor is boundwithin the sol particles to be extracted, and dispersed within thehydrocarbon medium.

These complexes are believed to deposit reversible microfilms oncombustion surfaces of internal combustion engines, heat chambers andhot sections of jet engines. The combustion process is believed tooxidize the organic portions of the complex leaving a lattice complexcatalytic microfilm with a specific surface area, porosity, metaldispersion, surface composition and surface catalytic activity.

The catalytic activity increases the speed of combustion and, therefore,the efficiency of hydrocarbon fuels, and decreases the emissions ofsulfur dioxide (SO₂), oxides of nitrogen (NO_(x)) and carbon monoxide(CO) and hydrocarbons as well as carbon dioxide.

The invention also relates to a novel method for obtaining the fueladditive of the present invention. A concentrate of inorganic-metallicand organo-metallic complex components may be extracted from an aqueouscolloidal precursor into the hydrocarbon medium and used as such, ormay, thereafter, be optionally diluted to achieve the fuel additivecomplex. The invention includes all products made by such methods.

It is believed that the particles, through one embodiment of the processof the present invention, are electrostatically charged and polarized,the degree of polarization being dependent on several factors, includingpH. This technique is believed to enhance the adhesiveness of the activeingredients of the sol to the combustion surfaces in the chamber.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention as embodied and asbroadly described herein, the additive may be obtained by:

1. forming an aqueous solution of the metallic component, in any knownmanner;

2. adding organic and inorganic moieties in suitable form to the aqueousmetallic solution or admixture to obtain a metal complex having organicand inorganic components;

3. forming a colloid of the resulting organo-metallic andinorganic-metallic components, preferably under controlled pH,temperature and time conditions;

4. extracting the metallic colloidal complex from the aqueous solutionusing a suitable hydrocarbon medium, preferably under controlled pH,temperature and time conditions, and most preferably wherein the pHapproaches, but is maintained below, the pH of the hydrocarbon medium tomaintain a sol and avoid the formation of a gel; and

5. optionally, the resulting extraction concentrate may thereafter befurther diluted. The extraction concentrate itself may be used as thefuel additive.

The process according to the invention is preferably practiced usingagitation or orientation techniques to form the aqueous precursor aswell as the active sol, using an oscillation mechanism, such as amechanical oscillator, and most preferably using one or moreelectrostatic generators, electromagnetic countercurrent generators,static magnetic countercurrent generators or electromagneticoscillators.

The present invention may be practiced by a variety of chemical andphysical processes in order to manufacture the desired catalyst. It isbelieved that when the active catalyst is exposed to the combustionchamber walls, it adheres to the chamber surface. This adhesive qualityfacilitates the formation of a catalytic matrix on the surface of thecombustion chamber which is believed to enable the improved catalyticaction of the inventive composition.

The chemical and physical qualities of the current invention arebelieved to allow this adhesive phenomenon to occur. Heat from thecombustion of the fossil fuels oxidizes the organic portion of theorgano-metallic which has been deposited on the catalytic surface,thereby allowing a matrix to form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 represents in diagrammatic form an electrostatic generator whichmay be used to generate the colloid substrate and active receptor sitesneeded during product synthesis;

FIG. 2 represents in diagrammatic form an electromagnetic countercurrentgenerator which may be used to generate the colloid substrate and activereceptor sites during product synthesis;

FIG. 3 represents a sectional view of the countercurrent generator inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention with a plot of themagnetic field gradients in the “z” axis;

FIG. 4 represents in diagrammatic form a static magnetic countercurrentgenerator which may be used to generate the colloid substrate and activereceptor sites during product synthesis;

FIG. 5 represents a schematic of an electrostatic generator and anelectromagnetic countercurrent generator configured in parallel;

FIG. 6 represents in diagrammatic form an electrostatic generatoroscillator system (EGOS) in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 represents in a diagrammatic form an electromagnetic cyclicoscillator in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 represents in diagrammatic form a mechanical fluid oscillatorsystem in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 represents in diagrammatic form the mechanical air oscillatorsystem in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 represents the inventors' understanding of the mechanism ofaction of the additive when added to an engine chamber; and

FIG. 11 represents an XPS spectrum of an XPS scan of a piston head afterbeing activated by the fuel additive of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the invention to specific theories of operation or tothe specific embodiments disclosed herein, the inventors' preferredembodiments, as well as the inventors' present understanding of thetheory of operation, will now be described.

With respect to the active moiety of the fuel additive, it is theinventors' belief that the aqueous colloid, such as a silica colloid, isa processing aide and a carrier to the combustion chamber wall such thatadhesion occurs through an electrostatic charge on the palladiumsilicate, palladium silicide and palladium acetate bound to the silicacolloid of the invention. The palladium silicate colloid complex ismoderately soluble in kerosene and soluble in pH 4.35 aqueous (partitioncoefficient ˜1/10). PdO is insoluble in aqueous at pH 4.35 and kerosene.Palladium (II) acetate is insoluble in water and at least substantiallyinsoluble in organic, but is soluble in acetic acid.

In the practice of the preferred method of synthesis of the additivediscussed below, palladium acetate, palladium oxide, palladium silicateand palladium silicides are believed to be formed along with a silicacolloid. The palladium oxide is not soluble in either the pH 4.35 aceticacid nor kerosene, the palladium silicate is soluble in both (˜1/10partition coefficient) and the palladium acetate is only soluble in thepH 4.35 acetic acid silicate colloid solution. However, the palladiumacetate is believed complexed with the silica colloid along with thepalladium silicate. This complex is extracted by kerosene at a volumeratio of 1/2 to 1/1 and a partition coefficient of about 1/10. Thepalladium acetate is believed to be more soluble in kerosene whencomplexed with the silica colloid.

It is the inventors' belief that the primary palladium compound which ismost active in the present invention for the early deposition stage ontothe combustion chamber surface is palladium silicate. The silicate formsthe initial deposit. The palladium acetate decomposes in the flame frontforming palladium oxide, palladium metal and palladium ions. Otherexperiments in the literature (Borisob and Spettel) in which palladiumsolubilities in silicate melts were studied in a variety of O₂concentrations and temperatures ranging from 1343 to 1472° C. arebelieved to be revealing to the mechanisms of the current invention. Insuch studies, palladium concentrations were determined by neutronactivation analysis. Repeated analyses of the silica by Borisob andSpettel after removal of the outer layer and several reversedexperiments with initially high palladium in the glass showed thatequilibrium was attained in the experiments. At 1350° C. concentrationsof Pd in silicate melts range from 428 ppm to 1.2 ppm with decreasingpalladium at decreasing oxygen concentrations. The data suggests achange in valence of the dominant palladium species in the silica melt.The data is most compatible with the assumption of mixtures of Pd₂ ⁺,Pd₁ ⁺ and PdO in the melt with increasing contributions of the lowervalence species at increasing reducing conditions.

The data of the current invention when taken in its entirety is believedto reveal that the palladium silicate, palladium acetate, silica colloidcomplex is extracted by kerosene from the finished liquor of thesynthesis and reacts within the chamber as described herein. Preferablythe kerosene mixture is diluted and placed into the fuel tank in a finalconcentration preferably of approximately 250 parts per trillion ofpalladium. The fuel is injected into the combustion chamber through theintake valves; the flame front is ignited by the compression and by thespark plug. The palladium silicate is believed carried by the silicacolloid complex and deposited in small amounts on the walls of thecombustion chamber, where it becomes annealed to the metal in the 2600°F. (1427° C.) atmosphere. The palladium acetate is oxidized into amixture of Pd²⁺, Pd⁴⁺ and PdO. This mixture partitions itself into thesilica matrix and forms an oxidation reduction catalyst. The palladiumvalances and catalytic effects change as the air intake temperatures andO₂ concentrations change. The catalyst effect is in equilibrium with theconditions of temperature and oxygen and compression within thecombustion chamber.

Detailed Description of Generator Systems

The palladium acetate, palladium silicate, silica colloid complex ispreferably synthesized using one or more of the following generators andoscillators (collectively “generator means”) as described in detailherein. These useful generators and oscillators may be used alone or inmany combinations and configurations, such as in parallel or in series.In the most preferred embodiment, the electrostatic generator of FIG. 1and electromagnetic counter current generator of FIG. 2 are used inparallel and fed by reservoir (24) as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively,the generator of FIGS. 1 and 4 may be used in parallel.

1. Electrostatic Generator

The electrostatic generator system depicted in FIG. 1 allowsmanipulation of the electrostatic and electromagnetic flux of the systemby control of the frequency and intensity of electrical pulses deliveredto antennae (25 and 26). It is believed to allow empiric manipulation ofreceptor sites on various organic and inorganic polymers.

The antennae system (25) receives impulses at 50,000 to 100,000 cyclesper second through conductors (7 and 8). The impulses are generated byhigh voltage high frequency transformer (16) powered through conductors(17) from one side of bridge rectifier (18), powered by 120 volts ACconductors (19 and 20). The antenna system (26) receives these highfrequency impulses at 60 impulses per second through conductors (9 and10). The impulses are generated by high voltage, high frequencytransformers (11) powered through conductors (12) from one side of abridge rectifier (13) powered by 120 volt AC conductor (14 and 15),powered by the same AC power source (27) as 19 and 20. Therefore, thetwo paired antenna systems are powered simultaneously countercurrent toeach other.

The generator system is prepared for operation by placing fluid in thereservoir (24). Generator (5) is placed in a 22-inch (55.88 cm) (oneatmosphere) vacuum by opening valve (4), turning on vacuum pump (1), andpulling vacuum through conduit (2). When complete vacuum of oneatmosphere has been reached valve 4 is closed.

Fluid pump (22) is turned on at 20 gpm (75.71 liters per minute). Fluidis drawn from reservoir (24) through conduit (23) and pushed throughvalve (21) by pump (22) through coils (6) and out through conduit (28)back into reservoir (24) and the cycle continues.

2. Electromagnetic Countercurrent Generator

The electromagnetic countercurrent generator system depicted in FIG. 2allows various organic and inorganic polymers to be exposed to a fourpolar DC powered electromagnetic clusters (43, 44, 45 and 46) at equallyspaced intervals along the generator housing (37). It is believed toallow structuring of receptor sites in an empiric fashion. Theelectromagnetic clustering is structured in alternating polarity asrevealed in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The DC current leads depicted in clusters(44, 45 and 46) are wired through a series of rheostats such that themagnetic field gradients can be manipulated for changes in structure ofthe colloids which are evolving as they are repeatedly circulatedthrough the magnetic field gradients of the invention.

The generator system is prepared for operation by placing fluid (35) inreservoir (31). Pump (33) is then activated and fluid (35) is pumpedthrough conduit (32) via a positive displacement pump (33), throughconduit (34) into generator housing (37) through conduit 36.

The fluid flows to the distal end of conduit (50) (½″ (1.3 cm) plastictubing) where it exits into surrounding conduit (47) (1″ (2.5 cm)plastic tubing) through holes (41) (4⅜″ (1 cm holes in pipe). The fluidflows back to the proximal end and exits through holes (39/40) (4⅜″ (1cm) holes in pipe) into conduit (48) (1½″ (1.3 cm) plastic tubing). Thefluid flows to the distal end and exits through holes (42) (4⅜″ (1 cm)holes in pipe) into conduit (49) where it travels into reservoir (38)and through conduit 30 back into reservoir (31) and the cycle continues.In the exemplary embodiment, the generator housing (37) include fiveconcentric circles. The alternating paths of charged particles flowingthrough conduits (65, 64 and 63) create magnetic fields through whichsuch particles travel.

FIG. 3 reveals a cross sectional view (with lines A-A′ noted formeasurement purposes) of the electromagnetic countercurrent generatorcluster with alternating polarity and the plotted field gradients. Thesegradients may be varied by alternating the amount of DC current on oneor more of the energy poles of the four pole clusters. This gradientmanipulation is advantageous in altering the colloid matrix of theinvention, which enhances the carrier ability of the colloid for thepalladium catalyst.

3. Static Magnetic Countercurrent Generator

The static magnetic countercurrent generator system depicted in FIG. 4allows the various organic and inorganic polymers to be exposed to afour polar static magnetic cluster 68 at equally spaced intervals alonggenerator housing (58). It is believed to allow structuring of staticreceptor sites, in an empiric fashion. The static magnetic clustering isstructured in alternating polarity as revealed in FIG. 4 with fieldgradients similar to that shown in FIG. 3. The electrostatic andmagnetic forces allow control in structure of the colloids which areevolving as they are repeatedly circulated through the magnetic andelectrostatic fields of the generator.

The generator system of FIG. 4 is prepared for operation by placingfluid (55) into reservoir (31). Pump (54) is then activated and fluid(55) is pumped through conduit (52) via positive displacement pump (54),through conduit (56) into generator housing (58), which is similar tothe generator used in FIG. 2, through conduit (57). The fluid flows tothe distal end of conduit (65) (½″ (1.3 cm) plastic tubing) where itexits into surrounding conduit (64) (1″ (2.5 cm) plastic tubing) throughholes (66) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes in pipe). The fluid flows back to theproximal end and exits through holes (60 and 61) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes inpipe) into conduit (63) (1½″ (1.3 cm) plastic tubing). The fluid flowsto the distal end and exits through holes (67) (4⅜″ (1 cm) holes inpipe) into conduit (63) where it flows into reservoir (59) and throughconduit (51) back into reservoir (53) and the cycle continues.

4. Electromagnetic Oscillator

The electromagnetic oscillator system depicted in FIG. 6 serves as anelectromagnetic oscillator pump. This system oscillates the colloidalfluid as it is forming the desired colloid of the invention. Theoscillation inhibits premature gel formation and allows the desiredcolloid to evolve.

The oscillator system may be installed at any point in the generatorsystem. During operation fluid flows through conduit (68), through oneway valve (69) into reservoir (70). The magnetic oscillatorferromagnetic piston (77) is oscillated in a distal, and proximaldirection with plastic piston sleeve (74) thereby drawing fluid inthrough one way valve (69) and pushing out through conduit (71) throughone way valve (72) and out through conduit (73). The piston isoscillated by two series of electromagnetic coils which are wound inparallel but power in opposite directions as in coils (75 and 76). Theseries of coils (75) starts with (+) lead (78) and ends with (−) lead(79) and are powered by one side of an AC power (83) bridge rectifier(82). The series of coils (76) starts by a feed into the opposite endand goes in the opposite direction. These coils are fed by (+) lead (80)and end with (−) lead (81).

The two sets of coils are therefore fed in opposite directions andalternate by being fed from two opposite sides of a bridge rectifier.

5. Electromagnetic Cyclic High Frequency Oscillator

The electromagnetic high frequency oscillator system depicted in FIG. 7provides high frequency eddy current oscillation as well as cyclicelectromagnetic mixing which is believed to allow structuring of certainorganic and inorganic polymer colloids with desired receptor sites onwhich the catalyst of the invention can form and be bound for effectivedeposit upon catalytic surfaces. This empiric structuring allows optimalformation of a catalytic structure which is believed to deposit on thesurface of combustion chambers and is heat activated to provide a veryactive catalytic surface.

This electromagnetic high frequency oscillator system may be installedat any point in the generator system. During operation fluid flowsthrough conduit (87) and through the reservoir to the distal portionwhere it empties into reservoir (85) and exits through conduit (86).Reservoir (85) is housed inside the stator of a 5 hp 3 phase 240 volt1800 rpm electric motor. The 240 volt power source (92) is energized bya 3 phase 240 volt service (93). Power source (92) contains a staticresistor in each of the three lines (89, 90 and 91). The inlineresistors are necessary to avoid overloading the stator coils since thearmature has been removed. The total amperage of the system is 13 amps.

6. Mechanical Fluid Oscillator

The mechanical fluid oscillator system depicted in FIG. 8 provides forhigh frequency oscillation of the fluid in the system by impacting fluidflowing through conduit (94) through expansion valve (99) into fluidflowing through conduit (97) through expansion valve 100. This causesviolent oscillation in reservoir (95). The oscillating fluid (98) flowsout through conduit (96). This high frequency oscillation disperses thecolloid as it circulates through the system thereby preventing prematuregel formation as the colloid evolves into the desired structure of theinvention.

7. Mechanical Air Oscillator

The mechanical air oscillator system depicted in FIG. 9 provides forhigh frequency oscillation of the fluid in the system by importing fluidflowing through conduit (101) along with high pressure air throughconduit (102), through nozzle (107) into fluid flowing through conduit(106) and air through conduit (105) through nozzle (108) and collidingin chamber (103) and flowing out through conduit (104). This collisioncauses violent oscillations in reservoir (103). This high frequencyoscillation disperses the colloid as it circulates through the systemthereby preventing premature gel formation as the desired colloidevolves into the structure which is advantageous for the currentinvention. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator of FIG.9 is used in series with the outputs of the generators of FIGS. 1 and 2which are placed in parallel.

Detailed Description of the Synthesis of the Additive

The fuel additive of the present invention is preferably synthesizedusing the following process:

(a) under controlled conditions, such as pH, form an aqueous solution ofthe organo-metallic compound;

(b) the solution is mixed using an agitator, preferably an electrostaticgenerator;

(c) an inorganic ester is added under controlled conditions, includingpH;

(d) the solution is again mixed using an agitator such as described instep (b);

(e) a hydrocarbon carrier is added;

(f) the resulting emulsion is agitated sufficiently to equilibrate theorganic and aqueous components; and

(g) the hydrocarbon colloidal layer is extracted, for subsequentdilution to achieve a functional fuel additive.

A most preferred process for preparing the additive will now bedescribed.

As noted above, it is preferred to place the electrostatic andelectromagnetic countercurrent generators in parallel such as is shownin FIG. 5. The fluid is pumped out of a reservoir via a positivedisplacement pump through the parallel circuit, through the generators,and then back to the reservoir.

The preferred procedure is as follows:

1. All wetted surfaces are cleaned.

2. The fluid reservoir is filled with Glacial acetic—3 gallons (11,400ml).

3. One (1) gallon (3800 ml) of distilled water is added.

4. The generator system is circulated at a rate of 20 gallons (75.71liters) per minute for 45 minutes. This results in a pH for the solutionof approximately 2.08.

5. At ambient temperature and over a 30 minute period, 400 ml of aquaregia (hydrochloric and nitric acids) which contains 6 grams ofsolubilized palladium metal are added. This results in a final pH forthe solution of approximately 1.74. The solublized Pd is predominantlyin the form of PdO, Pd(NO₃)₂, PdNO₃, PdCl₂, PdCl and Pd. This aqua regiasolution is slowly titrated into the concentration of acetic acid anddistilled water.

6. The generator is run for 90 minutes. The solution evolves from areddish brown color (which is a monomer form of palladium acetate) to abrilliant gold (which is a timer state of the compound). This completesthe synthesis of palladium acetate.

7. Slowly (over approximately an 80 minute period) 1.6 gallons (6,080ml) of sodium silicate 41° (28.6%) SiO₂ are added to the solution withconstant circulation until the pH reaches 4.35. The solution turns darkbrown to a burned orange color The colloid evolves as it reacts with thepalladium salts and the palladium acetate timer. The silica polymersequesters the palladium acetate timer via electrostatic bonding as wellas binding with palladium ions to form covalent bonds with the resultingpalladium silicate groups which are bound to the colloid. Palladium ionsare also sequestered by the silica colloid.

8. The generators are then for approximately 1½ hours at a rate ofapproximately 10 to 20 gallons (37.85 to 75.71 liters) per minute.

9. At 60 minutes into above 1½ hr circulation, 0.5 gallons (1,900 ml) ofdistilled water are added this results in a final pH of approximately4.35 and a final volume of 6.1 gallons.

10. At 90 minutes (1½ hours), 3 gallons (11,400 ml) of kerosene areadded to the generator reservoir and emulsion is circulated through theparallel generators for an additional 2 hours to equilibrate the organicand aqueous solutions.

11. The solutions are then allowed to separate. The kerosene layer (abrilliant golden color) is harvested and stored.

12. A 30 ml aliquot of the kerosene mixture is diluted up to one gallon(3800 ml) to make the functional additive.

13. An aliquot of one to three ml (one-three milliliters) is added toeach gallon of fuel in the tank of the internal combustion engine.

Characterization of the additive: The kerosene extract produced by theabove process was evaluated by X-ray photon emission spectroscopy (XPS).Binding energy peaks were compared to literature values as well asstandards of 80,000 ppm silica colloid extracted with kerosene,palladium acetate, palladium oxide and palladium chloride. The analysesof the data reveals that the extract contains palladium acetate, silicawhich is bound to other substances—likely palladium and palladiumacetate along with palladium ions likely bound in the colloid matrix.These palladium ions are seen as palladium oxide due to the method ofsample preparation (heated on hot plate at 500° C. to evaporate thekerosene). Repeated sample analysis over a six week period indicatedthat the additive is stable during this period. Analysis of subsequentlysynthesized batches reveals reproducibility of manufacturing.

Characterization of the colloid: Samples were analyzed by BeckmanCoulter Labs on samples 20,000 ppm silica, 40,000 ppm silica and 80,000ppm silica at pH 6.16 and pH 7.89. The silica concentration in thepreferred formula of the invention is 69,000 ppm silica in the aqueousphase. It was found that the average colloid particle size was 20-30 indiameter. The average Zeta potential is −40 to −45 (mV). The particlesize and Zeta potential play a role in the tendency of the colloidalparticle to attach to the surface of various combustion chambers towhich the product of the invention may be exposed. Particles 20-30microns are small enough such that they don't have a tendency to bepolar and have exclusively aqueous solubility. This 20-30 micron colloidparticle has a partition coefficient of 0.1 or 1/10 (organic/aqueous) atpH 4.35. Since the colloid binds some of the more polar palladium saltsand oxides the colloid carries the desired Palladium over into theorganic phase. The interior of a combustion chamber is net negativelycharged. As the Zeta potential indicates, the colloid of the inventionis attracted to the negative electrode in the electric field of the Zetapotentiometer. When the air/fuel aerosol is pulled into the combustionchamber, it is the inventors' belief that the colloid is attracted tothe surface where the high temperature (2,000° F. (1,093° C.) to 2,600°F. (1,427° C.)) converts the colloid into a thin silica melt which is abase matrix into which the palladium distributes and evolves into aneffective catalytic surface.

It appears from XPS data and study of the catalytic effects, that theadditive of the invention when synthesized without silica colloid, othercolloid or without any generator produces a poorly active additivewithout silica in the kerosene extract in both cases thereforeactivation of additive onto wall of combustion chamber.

The solubility and color of the compounds of the invention: Manyadditives of the present invention are poorly soluble unless complexedto the colloid of the invention. As discussed herein, it is theinventor's believe that the product of the inventive process is amixture of the monomer and trimer of Palladium acetate with traces ofpalladium oxide and palladium silicate.

Other Alternate Embodiments

Other colloids may be substituted in the present invention other thansilica colloids. These other colloids may function alone or incombination with silica in the current invention. Two such colloids aretitanium and aluminum, but not limited to these two colloids. One suchcolloid which is particularly useful in diesel and jet fuel catalyst isa titanium hydroxide colloid. This catalyst is most effective when thetitanium is used in combination with silica.

Another useful metal hydroxide is aluminum, particularly when used incombination with silica. The silica, aluminum colloid provides asuperior support matrix upon which the palladium catalyst may form onthe combustion surface of an internal combustion engine and/or othercombustion surfaces.

Performance Data

Fuel additives prepared in accordance with the present invention havebeen tested in a variety of automobiles and have been shown to improvegasoline mileage in a majority of case's across a range of 15% to 35%(with some as high as 55%) and, while some emission tests sometimes showincreases of certain emissions, in a majority of cases emissions arereduced 20% to 40% after an engine break-in period of 1,000 to 1,500miles (1,609 to 2,414 km). In general, the results shown in Tables 1-4are the results of six tests taken on the above vehicles except thatapproximately 5% of the tests results were discarded as anomalous, wherethe discarded tests results were more than two standard deviationsoutside of the mean results.

Table 1 shows a summary of mileage test data for a Ford F-150, Chrysler300 (Hemi), Infinity G35 and Lincoln Town Car under urban and highwaytests. Each of these vehicles was new when testing began.

TABLE 1 Base Case Avg. Urban/ # MPG Model Highway Tests (km/l) FordF-150 Truck Urban 6 12.510 (5.319 km/l) Highway 6 17.681 (7.517 km/l)Chrysler 300 (Hemi) Urban 6 16.525 (7.025 km/l) Highway 6 25.485 (10.835km/l)  Infiniti G35 Urban 6 16.990 (7.223 km/l) Highway 6 27.562 (11.718km/l)  Lincoln Town Car Urban 6 17.309 (7.359 km/l) Highway 6 27.521(11.700 km/l)  Additive Conc. per Activation Avg. Urban/ Gallon Miles(km) # MPG Abs. % Model Highway (3.785 l) Driven Tests (km/l) ChangeChange Ford F-150 Urban 3 ML 1076 6 16.876 4.366 +34.91 Truck (1732 km)(7.175 km/l) Highway 3 ML 1076 2 17.935 0.254 +1.44 (1732 km) (7.625km/l) 3 ML 1436 4 20.502 2.821 +16.00 (2311 km) (8.716 km/l) ChryslerUrban 3 ML 1076 2 17.103 0.578 +3.49 300 (Hemi) (1732 km) (7.271 km/l) 3ML 1436 4 19.025 2.500 +15.12 (2311 km) (8.088 km/l) Highway 3 ML 1076 228.148 2.663 +10.45 (1732 km) (11.967 km/l)  3 ML 1436 4 31.563 6.078+23.85 (2311 km) (13.419 km/l)  Infiniti G35 Urban 3 ML 1076 2 18.0391.049 +6.17 (1732 km) (7.669 km/l) 3 ML 1436 3 19.420 2.430 +14.30 (2311km) (8.256 km/l) 3 ML 1584 1 20.599 3.609 +21.24 (2549 km) (8.758 km/l)Highway 3 ML 1076 2 22.310 −5.252 −19.03 (1732 km) (9.485 km/l) 3 ML1436 3 30.711 3.149 +11.43 (2311 km) (13.057 km/l)  3 ML 1584 1 32.0784.516 +16.38 (2549 km) (13.638 km/l)  Lincoln Urban 2 ML 1076 6 21.6404.331 +25.02 Town Car (1732 km) (9.200 km/l) Highway 2 ML 1076 6 29.3721.851 +6.73 (1732 km) (12.487 km/l)  3 ML 1667 3 33.305 5.784 +21.00(2683 km) (14.159 km/l) 

Analytically, the accumulated data show that just before the additivehas coated the cylinder walls sufficient to begin the activationprocess, the mileage performance results for both the highway and urbantests experience a short-term decline. Emissions (at different rates)also show a short-term increase at this point. It is believed theInfiniti engine, having a smaller engine, may require a longeractivation period and so the pre-activation performance reduction iscaptured here after the first 1,076 miles (1,732 km), while it occurs inthe case of the other vehicles prior to the 1,076 miles (1,732 km),activation distance.

Table 2 shows a summary of emissions test data for the above vehicles.

TABLE 2 Ford F-150 Chrysler Hemi 300 Urban % Highway % Urban % Highway %Change Change Change Change Hydrocarbons Oxide −12 −56 −11 −52 CarbonMonoxide −32 −28 −36 −48 Oxides of Nitrogen −9 −36 +66 −42 CarbonDioxide −28 −14 −13 −19 Infiniti G35 Lincoln Town Car Urban % Highway %Urban % Highway % Change Change Change Change Hydrocarbons Oxide −8 −31+61 −28 Carbon Monoxide −37.5 −42 +112 −21 Oxides of Nitrogen +58 −49−23 −13 Carbon Dioxide −17 −11 −21 −17

Emissions for the Lincoln Town Car under urban condition were onlytested at a 2 ML concentration and 1,076 activation miles (1,732 km).Without the higher concentration of 3 ML used in all the other tests andthe longer activation periods of 1,500 or more miles (2,414 km), alsoused in all the other tests, the expected decline in emissionsperformance that precedes the activation and improvement is believed tohave been captured in this lower concentration, lower activation milesurban test. In contrast, emissions for the Lincoln Town Car underhighway conditions were tested at 1,667 miles (2,683 km) at a 3 MLconcentration, with constant improvement in all categories as a result.Interestingly, in the urban test, the positive mileage improvement of25% supports the conclusion that the decline prior to activation andthen subsequent improvement in mileage and emissions seems to occur atdifferent rates until both plateau at approximately 1,500 miles (2,414km) with 3 ML concentrations.

With respect to the Infinity G35, as stated above with respect to themileage test results, the Infiniti G35 took longer to activate and aportion of the pre-activation reduction in emissions performance wasevident in the emissions results, specifically, the urban oxides ofnitrogen results.

With respect to the Chrysler Hemi, it is believed that the oxides ofnitrogen result also may be related to the need for a longer activationperiod due to the design of the Hemi engine. It is also noteworthy thatthe dual spark plug configuration of the Hemi produces less NOx andother emissions in the base case.

Used car mileage test data are as follows:

TABLE 3 Base Case Avg. Miles Urban/ # MPG Model Year (km) Highway Tests(km/l) Ford F-150 2005  25,904 Urban 6 11.30 (41,688 km) (4.80 km/l)Highway 6 19.77 (8.41 km/l) Honda 1998 108,000 Urban 6 12.54 Accord V6(173,809 km) (5.33 km/l) Highway 6 19.75 (8.40 km/l) Ford Crown 1997120,000 Urban 6 11.33 VIC (193,121 km) (4.82 km/l) Highway 6 20.83 (8.86km/l) Honda Civic 1999 170,000 Urban 6 17.90 (273,588 km) (7.61 km/l)Highway 6 31.07 (13.21 km/l)  Additive Conc. per Activation Avg. MilesUrban/ Gallon Miles (km) # MPG Abs. % Model (km) Highway (3.785 l)Driven Tests (km/l) Change Change Ford F-  25,904 Urban 3 ML  160 217.33 6.03 +53.35 150 (41,688 km)  (257 km) (7.37 km/l) (2005) 3 ML  3204 17.28 5.98 +52.94  (515 km) (7.35 km/l) 3 ML 1600 6 18.03 6.73 +59.54(2575 km) (7.67 km/l) Highway 3 ML  320 6 27.46 7.69 +38.90  (515 km)(11.67 km/l)  3 ML 960 1 26.00 6.23 +31.51 (1545 km) (11.05 km/l)  3 ML1600 6 26.41 6.64 +33.57 (2575 km) (11.23 km/l)  Honda 108,000 Urban 3ML 1400 6 16.76 4.22 +33.63 Accord (173,809 km) (2253 km) (7.13 km/l) V6Highway 3 ML 1600 6 24.69 4.95 +25.05 (1998) (2575 km) (10.50 km/l) Ford 120,000 Urban 3 ML  160 2 11.75 0.42 +3.73 Crown (193,121 km)  (257km) (5.00 km/l) VIC 3 ML  320 1 13.04 1.71 +15.10 (1997)  (515 km) (5.54km/l) 3 ML 1600 6 13.37 2.04 +18.01 (2575 km) (5.68 km/l) Highway 3 ML 160 2 22.80 1.97 +9.46  (257 km) (9.69 km/l) 3 ML 1600 1 23.63 2.80+13.45 (2575 km) (10.05 km/l)  3 ML 1600 6 23.50 2.67 +12.82 (2575 km)(9.99 km/l) Honda 170,000 Urban 3 ML 1400 6 21.69 3.78 +21.14 Civic(273,588 km) (2253 km) (9.22 km/l) (1999) Highway 3 ML  320 1 32.02 0.95+3.05  (515 km) (13.61 km/l)  3 ML 1600 6 36.07 5.00 +16.10 (2575 km)(15.34 km/l)  3 ML 2068 6 36.26 5.19 +16.71 (3328 km) (15.42 km/l) 

Emissions data for the above used vehicles are as follows:

TABLE 4 Honda Accord V6 Ford Crown VIC Urban % Highway % Urban % Highway% Change Change Change Change Hydrocarbons Oxide −4.8 −19.2 −82.9 +6.7Carbon Monoxide −24.6 +83.1 −85.1 −24.3 Oxides of Nitrogen +11.1 −32.7−43.8 −30 Carbon Dioxide −17.2 −19.9 −14.9 −11.8 Honda Civic Ford F-150Urban % Highway % Urban % Highway % Change Change Change ChangeHydrocarbons Oxide −89.9 −53.6 5.5 −46.1 Carbon Monoxide −48.4 +80.3−83.8 −47.2 Oxides of Nitrogen −65.5 −55.7 +293.9 +112.5 Carbon Dioxide−13.6 −13.4 −34.3 −28.0

With respect to the above results for the oxides of nitrogen tests forthe 2005 Ford F-150, the substantial increase in the oxides of nitrogenat the relatively low activation mileage of 320 miles (515 km), furthersupports the proposition that the catalyst is initially primarily anoxidation catalyst (during which time higher levels of oxides ofnitrogen may result). At further activation mileage (such as the 1,436(2311 km) activation miles for the new Ford F-150 shown in Tables 1 and2), the catalyst becomes an oxidation and reduction catalyst (resultingin an overall decrease in oxides of nitrogen).

Mechanism of Action of the Inventive Additive

The following section details the inventors' present understanding ofthe mechanism of action of the invention.

The primary component of the catalytic effect of the additive of thepresent invention is palladium which is a transition metal. Thecatalytic activity of palladium is described in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Principal Additional metal Reaction Pt, Pd, Ir Au oxidativedehydrogenation of alkanes, n-butene to butadiene, methanol toformaldehyde, dehydrogenation of alkylcyclohexanes, isomerization anddehydrogenation of alkylcyclohexanes or alkylcyclopentanes,hydrogenative cleavage of alkanes, dealkylation of alkylaromatics Pd Sn,Zn, Pb selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkanes (powder form) PdNi, Rh, Ag alkane dehydrogenation and dehydrocyclization

XPS analysis of the surface of a piston head and spark plugs from a V-8Ford truck engine, which had been activated with the catalyst, revealeda palladium peak at approximately 337 and silica. FIG. 11 is a portionof an XPS spectrum of an XPS scan of a piston head of a V-8 Ford truckafter being activated by the fuel additive of the present invention.

As noted and represented in FIG. 10, the silica colloid of the inventionbinds a variety of palladium compounds and allows them to partition intothe kerosene phase during manufacture and equilibration of the aqueousand organic phase. The kerosene is then diluted to the properconcentration and an appropriate concentration is added to the liquidfuel. The fuel is diluted by the engine to an Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) ofapproximately 14. This mixture is taken into the combustion chamberthrough the intake valve. The airborne mixture is attracted to the wallsof the chamber. The surface temperatures of 2,000° F. (1093° C.) to3,000° F. (1649° C.) converts the colloid into a thin silica melt whichis a base matrix into which the palladium which exists in various forms,such as palladium ions and oxides, partitions and evolves into aneffective catalytic surface including on the cylinder wall, piston headand spark plugs as is revealed in FIG. 10.

It is generally known that infrared activation of a combustion processserves a similar function as a surface catalyst. Therefore if one canincrease the amount of infrared absorption by a fuel mixture moreefficient combustion occurs at lower activation temperatures. Based oninfrared spectrographs, it is believed that the silica colloid of thecurrent invention causes significant increased absorption of infrared.

Elemental analysis of the additive of the invention reveals that allelements which are of interest from a regulatory standpoint fall below 1ppm which is believed to satisfy EPA regulations. Silica is about 20parts per trillion and palladium is about 250 parts per trillion in thefuel.

Although the present invention is discussed in terms of certainpreferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to such embodiments.Rather, the invention includes other embodiments including thoseapparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, othersystems of agitating the mixtures may be used in the process of theinvention. Thus, the scope of the invention should not be limited by thepreceding description but should be ascertained by reference to theclaims that follow.

1. A fuel additive comprising particles having at least oneinorganic-metallic component and at least one organo-metallic componentstabilized in a suitable hydrocarbon medium, wherein said componentscontain at least one metal selected from the chemical elements of GroupsVIII to XI in the Periodic Table.
 2. A fuel additive of claim 1, whereinthe particles are a chemical metallic complex.
 3. A fuel additive ofclaim 2, wherein the complex is characterized as a sol containing boundwater.
 4. The fuel additive of claim 1, wherein said metal is selectedfrom the group consisting of platinum, cobalt, nickel, copper, gold,rhodium, and palladium.
 5. The fuel additive of claim 4, wherein saidmetal is palladium.
 6. The fuel additive of claim 4, wherein the atleast one organo moiety is an alkyl carboxylate.
 7. The fuel additive ofclaim 6, wherein the organo component is an alkyl carboxylate containing1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 8. The fuel additive of claim 7, wherein saidorgano component is acetate.
 9. The fuel additive of claims 1-8, whereinthe at least one inorganic moiety is derived from at least one compoundselected from the group of silicon, titanium, and aluminum-basedcompounds.
 10. The fuel additive of claim 9, wherein said compounds areselected from the group of silicate and silicides.
 11. The fuel additiveof claim 1, wherein said hydrocarbon medium comprises kerosene.
 12. Amethod for preparing a fuel additive composition, comprising the stepsof: (a) forming an aqueous solution of at least one metallic component,wherein said metallic component comprises at least one metal selectedfrom the chemical elements of Groups VIII to XI in the Periodic Table;(b) forming a colloid of organo-metallic and inorganic-metalliccomponents in said solution; and (c) extracting at least a portion ofthe metallic colloidal components from the aqueous medium using asuitable hydrocarbon medium.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pHof the extraction approaches, but remains below, the pH of thehydrocarbon medium.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said metal isselected from the group consisting of platinum, cobalt, nickel, copper,gold, rhodium, and palladium.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein saidmetal is palladium.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least oneorgano moiety is an alkyl carboxylate.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the alkyl carboxylate contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein said carboxylate is acetate.
 19. The methodof claim 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the at least one inorganiccomponent is derived from at least one compound selected from the groupof silicon, titanium, and aluminum-based compounds.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein said compounds are selected from the group ofsilicates and silicides.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein saidcompounds are silicates.
 22. The method of claim 12, wherein saidhydrocarbon medium comprises kerosene.
 23. The method of claim 12,further comprising the step of circulating the colloid through agenerator means prior to extracting said components.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein said generator means comprises an electrostaticgenerator.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein said generator meanscomprises an electromagnetic countercurrent generator.
 26. The method ofclaim 23, wherein said generator means comprises a static magneticcountercurrent generator.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein saidgenerator means comprises an electrostatic generator and anelectromagnetic countercurrent generator configured in parallel.
 28. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising the step of adding said additivecomposition to fuel in a concentration of at least 200 parts pertrillion palladium.
 29. The method of claim 12, wherein theconcentration is approximately 250 parts per trillion palladium.
 30. Afuel additive formed by the process of claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or
 29. 31. A fuel additive formed bythe process of claim 19.